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Chairman Williams: “Weaponizing Federal Resources: Exposing the SBA’s Voter Registration Efforts”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Small Business is holding a full committee hearing titled Weaponizing Federal Resources: Exposing the SBA’s Voter Registration Efforts.”

Chairman Williams’ opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing which will focus on the SBA’s Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Michigan to register voters.

I’d like to start off by thanking our witnesses for being here with us today. Your input on these important issues is greatly appreciated.

This Committee is charged with oversight of the Small Business Administration. This is a responsibility that we do not take lightly, and today we will look into how much this agency has deviated from the core mission of helping Main Street America. The SBA is tasked with aiding, counseling, and protecting the interests of small businesses across our great nation. Instead of fulfilling these goals, the SBA has entangled itself in electioneering activities that not only lack a constitutional basis, but also betray the trust and purpose for which the Agency was established.

This MOU with Michigan demonstrates a gross misalignment of the SBA’s priorities. Small businesses have been crushed the past few years with stubborn inflation, high interest rates, and a significant labor shortage. And while all of these issues have been hurting Main Street’s ability to thrive, the SBA has decided to dedicate their staff’s time and resources to register voters in a key swing seat ahead of the 2024 election.

Not only does this agreement turn its back on the entrepreneurs that are struggling, but it opens up a whole host of potential conflicts of interest.

If a president and their agencies were permitted to freely involve themselves in elections, they could misuse this influence to stay in power. The American people need to have confidence that Agencies are acting to carry out their duties without the fear of political interference. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case, and as the SBA is planning events around Michigan, the American people are going to be left wondering if the event is only being held to register President Biden’s target voting blocks.

Because of the potential to misuse this new power to register voters, the Committee immediately sent letters and started asking questions about how the SBA is carrying out these orders. And as we started asking questions, the lack of transparency was astounding. It took the SBA over 6 weeks to even show us the MOU after their initial press release announcing the new electioneering agreement. Additionally, after an SBA employee was caught on tape bragging about the Administrator’s campaign activities, they failed to make him available to speak with the Committee until we issued the first subpoenas in more than a decade.

This Committee will not stop calling out this misuse of power and will use every tool at our disposal to get the answers we need from the SBA.

I want to thank you all again for being here with us today, and I am looking forward to today’s important conversation.

With that I will yield to our distinguished Ranking Member from New York, Ms. Velázquez.

US NATIONAL NEWS

Trump Hints at Possible Third Term, Suggests “Methods” to Stay in Office

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – President Donald Trump refused to rule out the idea of a third term, despite the constitutional limits set by the 22nd Amendment, stating there are “methods” that could allow him to return to the Oval Office.

In a Sunday morning phone interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, Trump touted his high approval ratings, claiming, “You have to start by saying, I have the highest poll numbers of any Republican for the last 100 years. We’re in the high 70s in many polls, in the real polls, and you see that. We’re very popular.”

When asked directly whether he would seek another term in 2028, Trump did not deny the possibility, saying:

“Well, there are plans. There are—not plans. There are, there are methods which you could do it, as you know.”

22nd Amendment & Legal Hurdles

Trump’s comments come in direct conflict with the 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states:

“No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.”

This amendment, ratified in 1951, was introduced largely due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency. It makes no exception for presidents who serve non-consecutive terms, which means Trump would legally be barred from running again in 2028 after a second presidency.

Trump’s Strategy: JD Vance as a Placeholder?

During the NBC News interview, Trump hinted at potential workarounds to bypass the 22nd Amendment, including having Vice President JD Vance run in 2028 and later stepping aside to allow Trump to return to office.

“Well, that’s one,” Trump said. “But there are others too. There are others.”

This raises legal and ethical concerns, as it would be seen as a direct attempt to circumvent the Constitutional limit on presidential terms.

Steve Bannon & MAGA Allies Push for 2028

Trump’s close ally Steve Bannon, host of the War Room podcast, has been a vocal proponent of the idea, stating in December that Trump could “credibly seek another term” in 2028. The idea has gained traction among MAGA hardliners, with some advocating for legislative changes or legal loopholes that could allow Trump to reclaim the presidency.

White House Response: “Too Early” to Decide

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung downplayed the speculation, stating:

“Americans overwhelmingly approve and support President Trump and his America First policies. As the President said, it’s far too early to think about it, and he is focused on undoing all the hurt Biden has caused and Making America Great Again.”

What’s Next?

While Trump’s comments have sparked debate over the Constitution’s 22nd Amendment, legal scholars and political analysts emphasize that any attempt to bypass the presidential term limit would likely face significant legal challenges and Congressional pushback.

As Trump continues to tease 2028, Democrats and legal experts are expected to push back against any potential constitutional maneuvering.

___________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Global Tesla Takedown Protests Target Elon Musk and DOGE

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MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) – The global anti-Tesla protest movement intensified on March 29, as demonstrators targeted hundreds of Tesla dealerships and showrooms worldwide. Protesters voiced outrage over Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s influence on U.S. government policies, layoffs in federal agencies, and budget cuts affecting critical programs.

Protesters Condemn Musk’s Influence in Government

The demonstrations, dubbed the “Tesla Takedown”, were fueled by frustration over what activists call Musk’s unchecked power over federal decision-making. Protesters argue that Musk, the world’s richest man, has used his political and financial leverage to lay off thousands of workers, slash government agency budgets, and consolidate power.

“Nobody voted for Elon,” one protester stated. “He’s hijacking our government, cutting funding for essential programs, and treating workers as disposable.”

Anti-Tesla Movement Gains Momentum

The anti-Tesla sentiment is spreading across multiple countries, with protestors uniting under a common goal: hurting Musk’s bottom line. Demonstrators held boldly worded signs with statements such as:

  • “Fire Musk”

  • “We Don’t Need This Fascist”

  • “Honk If You Hate Nazis”

  • “No Swastikas – No Fascists”

Some placards even depicted Musk as an oligarch gaslighting the public, drawing comparisons between his leadership style and authoritarian regimes.

DOGE Backlash and Government Cuts

The protests also criticized Musk’s role in cryptocurrency manipulation, particularly regarding DOGE (Dogecoin). Many believe Musk’s influence over financial markets has led to instability, impacting small investors.

Moreover, demonstrators highlighted concerns over Musk’s reported backroom deals with the Trump administration, which they claim have resulted in:

  • Massive layoffs across federal agencies

  • Defunding critical public programs

  • Deregulation that benefits corporations while hurting workers

Protesters Demand Change

As the Tesla Takedown movement grows, activists vow to escalate demonstrations, urging consumers to boycott Tesla products and Musk-owned companies.

“We refuse to support a billionaire who disregards democracy, fires workers, and cuts essential programs,” said one organizer. “This is just the beginning.”

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US NATIONAL NEWS

Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Calls Trump Officials’ Response to War Plans Leak “A Shameless Mountain of Lies”

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WASHINGTON (FNN) – A major national security scandal has erupted after top officials from President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly shared classified U.S. military strike plans in a private Signal chat, raising alarms about national security breaches and possible legal violations.

Former Trump Impeachment Manager Val Demings Speaks Out

Former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, who served as a Trump impeachment manager, strongly condemned the breach, describing it as “a shameless mountain of lies” and a reckless compromise of military strategy.

“As a former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security committees, the thought of these people sharing strategic military operations on Signal is shocking. Those who testified before the Senate were under oath. Power built on endless lies is not power at all—it’s a house of cards. America, this will end badly unless you demand better,” Demings wrote in a statement on her personal Facebook page.

Val Demings is a former U.S. Congresswoman, former Trump Impeachment Manager, former member of the Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees, and retired Orlando Chief of Police.

Details of the Leaked War Plans

The National Security Council has confirmed the authenticity of the leaked messages, which included classified operational details of upcoming U.S. military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The leaked documents allegedly contained:

  • Target locations for military strikes
  • Weapon deployment strategies
  • Attack sequencing and operational details

The sensitive war plans were reportedly shared with The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a private Signal group chat involving:

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

  • Vice President JD Vance

  • National Security Advisor Mike Waltz

Possible Violations of Federal Laws & National Security Rules

The unauthorized disclosure of sensitive military operations may violate multiple federal laws, including:

  • Espionage Act (18 U.S. Code § 793) – Unlawful disclosure of classified national defense information
  • Presidential Records Act – Mishandling of government records and sensitive communications
  • Federal Records Act – Unauthorized sharing of government communications
  • Insider Threat Program Violations – Breach of classified intelligence security measures
  • UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) Violations – If military personnel were involved in the leak

Congress Calls for Full Investigation

Bipartisan leaders in both the Senate and House are calling for an investigation into the war plans leak. Lawmakers are demanding:

  • Public hearings to address the security breach
  • Testimony from top Trump officials named in the leak
  • Legal consequences for those responsible

During the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-VA) described the actions of the nation’s top intelligence officials as “sloppy, careless, incompetent behavior.”

“If this was the case of a military officer or an intelligence officer and they had this kind of behavior, they would be fired,” he said.

What’s Next?

  • Congressional Hearings on the national security breach
  • Potential criminal charges for those responsible
  • Wider political fallout for Trump’s national security team

_________________________________________________________________________

Florida National New
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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